2026 UX Research & Design Summer Internship Program

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 2026 UX Research & Design Summer Internship Program

Company: United Wholesale Mortgage

Location: Pontiac, Michigan, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Design & Research Operations

Date Posted: April 15, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers hands-on experience in User Experience (UX) Research and Design, focusing on enhancing the usability and intuitiveness of UWM's industry-leading technology platforms.

• Interns will be integral to understanding user needs and behaviors, translating them into actionable design improvements through rigorous research methodologies.

• The role involves cross-functional collaboration, working alongside software development, database, and infrastructure teams to implement optimal user interfaces and drive business improvements.

• Participants will engage in a comprehensive summer-long project, contributing to team-specific tasks, executing project work, and presenting progress to stakeholders, all while adhering to Scrum rituals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is UX Research & Design, the integration with technology teams and project management aspects positions this as an "Operations" role within the broader User Experience discipline. The emphasis on understanding business improvements through user interfaces and participating in Scrum rituals highlights a process-oriented approach.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist team members in understanding the benefits of business improvements achievable through optimized user interfaces and user experience.

• Employ a range of UX research methods, including but not limited to user interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to inform data-driven design decisions.

• Engage with stakeholders and development teams to gather and interpret business and functional requirements for digital products.

• Develop wireframes, mock-ups, and reports for both internal and external-facing products, and present these deliverables to development teams and key stakeholders.

• Collaborate with other Summer Team Members on a cohort project, contributing to task definition, execution, and progress reporting through regular presentations.

• Actively participate in project-focused Scrum rituals, including daily stand-ups, backlog refinement, sprint planning, and sprint retrospectives, to ensure agile development practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a structured approach to design and research, aligning with operational excellence in product development. The inclusion of stakeholder meetings, requirement gathering, and Scrum participation points to a need for process adherence and clear communication workflows, typical of operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree expected in 2026 or 2027 (current junior/senior status). Relevant fields include Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), UX/UI Design, Psychology, Information Science, Computer Science, or related disciplines.

Experience: Prior internship or project experience in UX research, UI design, or a related field is beneficial. Familiarity with design thinking principles and agile development methodologies is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in UX research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, surveys).

• Ability to create wireframes and mock-ups using design tools.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear articulation of complex technical issues and solutions.

• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Effective time management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.

• A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and receive feedback.

• Ability to thrive in both team environments and work independently.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific UX/UI design software (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Familiarity with Scrum or other Agile development frameworks.

• Experience presenting design concepts and research findings to stakeholders.

• Understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to inform design feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of technical UX skills and essential operational competencies like communication, time management, and adaptability, crucial for interns to integrate quickly into UWM's fast-paced technology environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the UX design process, from research and ideation to prototyping and testing.

• Showcase projects that highlight data-driven design decisions, explaining the research methods used and how insights influenced the final design.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity mock-ups, detailing the rationale behind design choices.

Process Documentation:

• Prepare to discuss your personal workflow for tackling UX design challenges, from initial problem definition to final deliverable.

• Be ready to articulate how you gather and synthesize user feedback throughout the design and development lifecycle.

• Expect to explain how you would document user research findings and design specifications for development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While an internship may not require a formal portfolio submission upfront, candidates should be prepared to discuss their project work and design process. This section outlines the types of projects and process thinking that would be valuable to showcase, reflecting operational rigor in design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a summer internship program, compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience and the program's structure. A typical range for a UX/Tech internship in the Detroit metropolitan area for 2026 would be between $18-$25 per hour, depending on specific qualifications and the program's funding.

Benefits:

• Paid training and comprehensive career development opportunities throughout the program.

• Exposure to a robust benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, providing essential coverage.

• Eligibility for a 401k with employer match, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Access to exclusive UWM perks such as Mortgage discounts and various area business discounts.

• Free membership to UWM's state-of-the-art fitness center, including access to exercise classes, sports leagues, and a full-size basketball court.

• Utilization of the wellness area, featuring an in-house primary-care physician’s office, massage therapist, and hair salon.

• Access to a gourmet cafeteria with diverse homemade breakfast and lunch options.

• Convenience store offering healthy grab-and-go snacks.

• On-site Starbucks and Dunkin' for convenient refreshments.

• Indoor/outdoor café with Wi-Fi for collaborative work or relaxation.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, May 18th to August 7th. This is a full-time, on-site commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for internships in the specified region for the given timeframe. The benefits listed are extensive and highlight UWM's commitment to employee well-being and professional development, offering a significant advantage for interns.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Mortgage Lending). UWM is a significant player in the mortgage industry, known for its technology-driven approach and rapid growth. This context means operations are highly focused on efficiency, compliance, and scalable processes.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Thousands of employees). This scale implies established processes, defined hierarchies, and opportunities for interns to learn within a structured corporate environment.

Founded: 1986. With a history spanning several decades, UWM has evolved and adapted, indicating a company that values innovation and resilience, likely fostering a culture that embraces technological advancement and process improvement.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research and Design team operates within the broader Technology department, likely comprising specialized roles such as UX Researchers, UI Designers, UX Writers, and Design System Managers.

• Interns will report to a UX Lead or Manager, with potential mentorship from experienced team members.

Methodology:

• UWM's technology teams likely employ agile methodologies, with a strong emphasis on data analysis and continuous improvement to drive product enhancements.

• The UX team's approach will involve user-centric design principles, iterative design processes, and data-backed decision-making to optimize user interfaces and workflows.

• Automation and efficiency are likely key operational focuses, aiming to streamline processes and enhance the client and employee experience.

Company Website: https://www.uwm.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: UWM's position as a large financial services company suggests a need for robust, scalable, and compliant operational processes. The internship within the technology sector offers a chance to see how these operational principles are applied to user experience and product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role, designed to provide foundational experience in UX Research and Design within a corporate operations context. It's an opportunity to learn industry best practices and understand how UX contributes to the operational efficiency of a large organization.

Reporting Structure: Interns will report to a designated mentor or manager within the UX Research & Design team. They will also be part of a larger cohort of summer interns, likely with a program coordinator overseeing the overall internship experience.

Operations Impact: While interns' direct impact will be on specific projects, their work contributes to the larger operational goal of enhancing user satisfaction, improving system efficiency, and supporting UWM's mission to make homeownership more accessible. Understanding user needs directly impacts the usability and adoption of internal and external tools, thereby influencing operational effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Gain hands-on experience in specific UX research methods (e.g., usability testing, persona development) and design tools, building a specialized skillset.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the mortgage industry and the role of technology and UX in a fast-paced financial services environment.

• Networking: Connect with professionals across various technology disciplines, building a professional network.

• Project Leadership: Develop project management and presentation skills through the cohort project, demonstrating initiative and leadership potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a crucial stepping stone, offering not just skill development but also insights into career paths within UX and technology operations at a large enterprise. The structured program and cohort project are designed to foster growth and learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: UWM operates a large, modern corporate campus designed to foster collaboration and employee well-being. The environment is likely dynamic and fast-paced, reflecting the company's rapid growth in the financial services sector.

Office Location(s): The internship is strictly on-site at 585 South Boulevard East, Pontiac, MI 48340. This location serves as UWM's headquarters and is a hub for its technology and operations teams.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to encourage collaboration, with open areas, meeting rooms, and shared amenities. Interns will likely have access to modern workstations and design software.

• Access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, wellness area, and on-site dining options contributes to a supportive and energetic work environment.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of interns and full-time employees across technology and other departments will foster a rich learning and networking experience.

Work Schedule: A consistent Monday-Friday, 40-hour work week is required, emphasizing the importance of dedicated time for learning and project completion within a structured operational framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site, collaborative environment with extensive amenities underscores UWM's commitment to creating a productive and supportive workplace, which is crucial for an intensive summer internship program.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and applications to assess qualifications against program requirements, paying close attention to academic standing and relevant coursework.

• Initial Interview: A phone or video interview with a recruiter to assess general fit, communication skills, and motivation for the internship.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage might involve a discussion with members of the UX Research & Design team. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of UX principles, design process, and potentially walk through a past project or case study if they have one.

• Cohort Project/Case Study (Potential): Some programs may include a short take-home assignment or a hypothetical problem to solve, simulating real-world UX challenges.

• Final Interview: Possibly a panel interview or a discussion with a hiring manager to finalize the selection.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• If you have a portfolio, be ready to present 1-2 key projects that best demonstrate your UX research skills, design process, and problem-solving abilities.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the methodologies you employed, the challenges you faced, and the outcome or learnings.

• Focus on showing your thought process and how you arrived at your design decisions, rather than just presenting final mock-ups.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with common UX research methods and design thinking frameworks.

• Practice articulating your problem-solving approach and design rationale clearly and concisely.

• Research UWM's digital presence and consider potential areas for UX improvement from a user-centric perspective.

• Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in UX, UWM, and the mortgage industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While formal portfolio submission might not be a requirement for all internships, candidates are strongly advised to prepare to discuss their relevant academic or personal projects. This section provides a strategic approach to navigating the interview process for an operations-focused UX internship.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design Software: Proficiency or familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for wireframing, mock-ups, and prototyping.

• Research Tools: Experience with or understanding of tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms), user testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com), and potentially qualitative data analysis tools.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or Trello for project management and task tracking, especially in an Agile/Scrum environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Understanding of analytics concepts for user behavior tracking (e.g., Google Analytics).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly designing CRM systems, an understanding of how UX impacts the usability of CRM and other business applications is beneficial.

• Awareness of how automation can streamline user workflows and improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed tools represent the typical technology stack for UX professionals. Interns are expected to have foundational knowledge or a strong willingness to learn these tools, which are critical for operationalizing UX design within a development lifecycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People Are Our Greatest Asset: UWM emphasizes a supportive and inclusive culture where individuals are valued and empowered. For operations, this translates to fostering collaboration and mutual respect.

• Be You Here: Encourages authenticity and diversity, creating an environment where all team members feel accepted and can contribute their unique perspectives.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly enhance processes, technology, and services, which is fundamental to any operations role, including UX.

• Data-Driven Decisions: UWM likely relies on data to inform strategic choices and operational adjustments, aligning with the research-oriented nature of UX.

• Efficiency & Excellence: A focus on delivering high-quality work efficiently, a core tenet of effective operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: UX teams actively collaborate with development, product management, and business units to ensure user needs are integrated into product roadmaps and operational processes.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is encouraged and utilized for iterative improvement of designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and learnings to elevate the collective expertise within the UX and technology departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: UWM's stated values directly inform the expected team culture, emphasizing a people-centric, inclusive, and improvement-driven environment. This is critical for interns to understand how to integrate and contribute effectively within the company's operational framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: UWM operates in a dynamic industry, requiring interns to adapt quickly to changing priorities and project demands. The operational tempo can be high.

• Translating Research into Action: Effectively bridging the gap between user research findings and actionable design implementations within development cycles.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder expectations and requirements to ensure user-centric designs are feasible and align with business goals.

• Learning New Tools & Processes: Rapidly acquiring proficiency in UWM's specific design tools, research methodologies, and agile operational processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UX professionals and program coordinators.

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in UX research methods, UI design principles, and design software through practical application.

• Industry Insight: Gain invaluable exposure to the operational intricacies of the mortgage and financial technology sectors.

• Professional Networking: Build relationships with peers and experienced professionals, opening doors for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The identified challenges are common in operational and internship settings, particularly within fast-growing tech companies. The listed growth opportunities highlight how interns can leverage these challenges for significant professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user feedback to inform a design decision. What was the outcome?" - Preparation: Prepare a specific project example, detailing the feedback received, how it was analyzed, and the subsequent design changes. Quantify impact if possible.

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for [a hypothetical UWM product, e.g., a mortgage application portal]?" - Preparation: Outline your UX process, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing. Emphasize user-centricity and data-driven approaches.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in UWM and the mortgage industry?" - Preparation: Research UWM's mission, values, and recent news. Connect your interest to their impact on homeownership and technology.

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your work?" - Preparation: Provide an example of how you received and acted upon feedback, demonstrating a growth mindset and willingness to improve.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If presenting a portfolio, choose projects that showcase your process, problem-solving, and analytical skills, not just polished visuals.

• Be prepared to walk through your design decisions step-by-step, explaining the "why" behind your choices.

• Use storytelling to make your projects engaging, highlighting challenges and how you overcame them.

• Clearly articulate the business value or user benefit of your design solutions, demonstrating an understanding of operational impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on preparing candidates for typical UX and operational assessment questions, emphasizing clear communication, process understanding, and alignment with UWM's values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UX internship position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UWM Careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any prior internship experience in UX, design, or technology. Use keywords found in the job description such as "UX research," "UI design," "wireframing," "usability testing," and "collaboration."

• Portfolio Preparation: If you have a portfolio, ensure it is polished and ready to discuss. Prepare to articulate your design process and project outcomes clearly, focusing on problem-solving and user-centricity. Even academic projects can be valuable if presented effectively.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common UX and behavioral interview questions, focusing on demonstrating critical thinking, communication skills, and a proactive, learning-oriented attitude. Prepare specific examples to illustrate your capabilities.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research United Wholesale Mortgage, its mission, values, and its role in the financial technology industry. Understand their commitment to technology and customer experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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